Chelsea may have been handed a big boost in their reported pursuit to sign Robert Lewandowski. La Liga president Javier Tebas, as per Marca, believes Barcelona do not have the financial power to sign the Bayern Munich striker at the moment.
The 33-year-old has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga champions and could be sold when the summer transfer window opens. Lewandowski recently admitted that last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg, where he netted his 35th and final goal of the league season, could be his last for the German outfit.
He said: "It is very possible that this was my last game for Bayern. I cannot say 100%, but it could have been. We want to find the best solution for me and the club."
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can help Chelsea sign Robert Lewandowski alternative due to major transfer problem
When a striker at the level of Lewandowski becomes available, there are bound to be clubs queuing up for his signature. That does seem to be the case, rather unsurprisingly.
Barcelona have expressed a keen interest in the Poland international and look like the favourites to sign him. However, Chelsea 'could join the race' to sign the prolific frontman, according to The Guardian, who say that Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of the Pole.
The report also adds that Lewandowski has his heart set on a summer switch to Barca, but the latest comments from La Liga president Tebas suggest that move may not be happening anytime soon. "As of today, no," Tebas replied when asked if Barca can sign Lewandowski.
"Other things have to happen that I don't know if they are going to happen. The BLM thing, Barca Estudios... in their budget they had a sale of Barca Estudios that I don't see.
"The numbers are very easy, yes. You have more than €500million (£422.6million) losses from the previous two years, you have to recover them to be able to sign without the 1/3 rule.
"Lewandowski has one year left at Bayern, between what Lewandowski wants to earn and what Bayern wants to take... it gives me the feeling. As of today, I do not see him at Barcelona."
